White tips on SPS

[Llorgon]

I got a SPS coral last week and all the tips of it seem to now have white tips.

I tested my water and my parameters were
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrates - almost 5ppm
pH - 8.2
Phosphates - 0
Alkalinity - 6.4

It's a newer tank. I have some corals, snails and 2 clown fish.

I'm guessing alkalinity might be the issue?

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[WarDog]

ALK too low.

[Llorgon]

What would be the best way to raise the alkalinity? Larger water change or dosing?

[WarDog]

Bring it up slowely 0.5 dkh per day by dosing would be my choice. Also get calcium and magnesium test kits when you can. What salt are you using?

[Llorgon]

Originally Posted by WarDog

Bring it up slowely 0.5 dkh per day by dosing would be my choice. Also get calcium and magnesium test kits when you can. What salt are you using?

I'm using the instant ocean salt(purple). I'm guessing the reef crystals one is better?


I will see if I can pickup some more test kits tomorrow night.


Until I can get some dosing stuff, would baking soda be an acceptable way to raise the alkalinity? Or does that just work for freshwater?

[Frogger]

If you are growing any scleractinian corals (stoney corals), snails, clams, coraline algae, etc you need to be adding a balanced calcium and alkalinity supplement.

The easiest way is a balanced calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate/carbonate additive. Work slowly to find a balance ideally between 7 and 10 dkh and 400 to 440ppm calcium.

Also having truly no phosphates can be a problem that will cause the tips to go white and dieback. Reduce GFO if you are using it.

[Frogger]

Adding just baking soda could create an imbalance in calcium. Your inhabitants that are lowering the alkalinity are lowering your calcium at a balanced amount.

[Llorgon]

Originally Posted by WarDog

I just skimmed your tank thread and I think you might be going a bit too fast. When starting a new tank you need to be patient with the cycle first. Then start stocking with fish, and lastly coral. You also seemed to go a little gung ho with sps. You definately need to have all your test kits, parameters and chemicals for dosing in order before tackling sps.... at least if you are new to salt water. Also, regular water changes with IO (10 - 25% every 2 or 3 weeks) should keep your Alk around 8 to 10, depending on your coral load.

Ahh I thought I was going slow! But I guess I need to go slower.

I went the other way around coral and then fish after the tank cycled...

I change the water once a week. But only 10 gal water change. Probably need to do a bigger water change?

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[WarDog]

How many gals is the system volume?

[Llorgon]

75 gal tank + 20 gal sump